This Is Uncomfortable

What does it mean to make a living from death? From a young age, Joél Simone Maldonado was fascinated by mortality, leading her to a career as a funeral director, embalmer and sacred grief practitioner. In the final episode of our miniseries on grief and money, Reema Khrais talks with Joél about her profession: the tough conversations around money, the toll it takes on her mental health, and why she advocates for more cultural competency in death care. Also, Joél offers tips to financially prepare ourselves for the inevitable, and Reema reflects on the personal impact of her recent experiences with loss. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And to get even more Uncomfortable, subscribe to our newsletter!

Mike Perry shares his touching journey with a stray dog named Wisdom that profoundly influenced his financial decisions. He reflects on the bond they formed and how it shaped his life after loss. The conversation explores the emotional and financial complexities of caring for pets, especially during their final days. Insights into the costs associated with pet healthcare are discussed, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by pet owners. It's a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the financial choices we make in their honor.

Amanda Petteruti, an insightful storyteller, digs into her father's hidden past as she unravels the mystery behind his secret hobby. Her discovery of locked toolboxes unveils financial secrets and challenges her understanding of family dynamics. The emotional journey through grief and legacy raises profound questions about closure and identity. Amanda reflects on selling her father's coin collection, revealing how personal belongings intertwine with memories and grief, leading her to navigate the bittersweet path of letting go.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite episodes and reconnecting with old friends for an update.Rebecca Danigelis never planned to stop working. She was an executive housekeeper in Boston raising two kids as a single mom, and everything she earned went to making sure they got the best education she could afford. When her son Sian-Pierre was climbing the ranks as a journalist and entrepreneur, it seemed like all the overtime, frozen dinners and sacrifice were worth it. But just as his career was taking off, hers started to crumble.We first aired this episode in 2022, and now Reema checks in with Rebecca and Sian-Pierre to see how their financial situation has unfolded.If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And to get even more Uncomfortable,  subscribe to our newsletter!

Nikki Massie, an advocate for fair pay, shares her shocking realization of being underpaid after a decade at her company. She explores the emotional journey of discovering potential salary inequities and reflects on the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace. Nikki discusses the struggles women, particularly women of color, face regarding wage disparities and the anxiety that surrounds salary negotiations. Through her story, she emphasizes the necessity of open communication about compensation and the empowerment that comes with valuing one's worth.

As we reflect on 10 seasons of “This Is Uncomfortable,” Reema shares a snippet of a conversation with the show’s founder-producer, Hayley Hershman, about what they’ve learned from making the show and how their relationships with money have changed over the years. And we want to hear your thoughts, too!What’s something you’ve learned from listening to “TIU” over the years? You can tell us how your relationship with money or work has changed, or maybe what the show has made you think more deeply about. Record a voice memo and email it to us at uncomfortable@marketplace.org. Or you can call and leave us a message at 347-RING-TIU (347-746-4848). Either way, be sure to include your name and where you’re calling from. There’s a good chance we’ll include it on the show!

Brittany Walsh and Nicole O’Neil, two sisters facing a health crisis, share their emotional journey of navigating health challenges and alternative treatments. Brittany worries as Nicole spends on dubious remedies, leading to tension. They discuss their contrasting views on wellness and the strain on their relationship, highlighted by the complexities of trauma and anxiety. With an exploration of chronic illness and the disappointment of mistrust in conventional medicine, their story captures the essence of sibling support in turbulent times.

Hanif Abdurraqib, an award-winning poet and cultural critic from Columbus, dives deep into what it truly means to 'make it' in a world rife with inequality. He candidly shares his own financial struggles, including a harrowing eviction experience, and the weight of moral judgments tied to success. The conversation shifts to the importance of community, the impact of grief on creativity, and redefining success beyond materialism. Hanif also emphasizes the power of storytelling to celebrate resilience in marginalized communities.

The latest season dives deep into the emotional side of finance, uncovering stories of advocating for fair pay and coping with a loved one's poor money decisions. Listeners will hear about the unique ways money impacts grief and the surprising joy of receiving an inheritance. One segment even features a man who shares his vision for wealth redistribution to strengthen his community. Plus, there’s a reflective look back at the lessons learned over ten engaging seasons.

When we last heard from Hana Albaioumy, she was grappling with an agonizing decision. She wanted to escape Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, but it would cost her $10,000, most of her savings, to cross the border into Egypt. Hana shares a complicated update with Reema: She managed to evacuate Gaza and flee to Cairo, but the decision came with a steep financial and emotional cost. Hana explains what it was like saying goodbye to her family, shares the challenges of navigating a new life in Egypt without legal status and recounts a surprising moment when she felt like her old self. We’re currently working on Season 10, which will launch in August. In the meantime, we hope you listen to this intimate conversation about how Hana is grappling with an uncertain future. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend. And to get even more Uncomfortable, subscribe to our newsletter!